BMO Financial Group has a long and proud history of supporting equestrian sport in Canada.

It first became involved with equestrian sport as a founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows in 1976. Since then, BMO Financial Group has sponsored the Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows for 30 years. Offering $350,000 in prize money in 2006, the BMO Financial Group Nations’ Cup at Spruce Meadows is the richest nations’ cup offered anywhere in the world. As a result, Canada has the advantage of having world-class competition brought to its doorstep, in turn allowing Canadian show jumping athletes to become accomplished on the world stage. This year, Canada did just that, winning the Nations’ Cup for the first time in the event’s long history!

Anchoring the Canadian Show Jumping Team for its historic victory was none other than Ian Millar. In 1988, BMO signed the eight-time Olympian as its corporate equestrian advisor, and the partnership has continued to flourish ever since. In 1994, BMO co-sponsored the Big Ben Retirement Tour, and proceeds from the sales of memorabilia were donated to the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association and the Canadian Show Jumping Team. Last year, BMO was proud to help sponsor a life-size bronze statue of Ian Millar and Big Ben that will forever celebrate the incredible career of two show jumping legends in their hometown of Perth, ON.

For over a decade during the 1980’s and 90’s, BMO Financial Group was the title sponsor of the indoor Nations’ Cup fall tour formerly held at the Washington International Horse Show, the National Horse Show in New York, and Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

In addition to its sponsorship, the BMO Financial Group offers its support by administering the MasterCard affinity program for equestrian sport. For every card issued, and based on the aggregate retail purchases charged to the card, BMO Financial Group makes a contribution to Equine Canada.

The support of BMO Financial Group represents the longest and most productive sponsorship in Canadian show jumping sport.

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